When you take a tour, dare to strike out on your own - not only to save up to hundreds of dollars but also to have a richer experience.
For example, rather than take my hotel's tour of the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, I decided to book the tour on my own - and saved $550.
However, I still screwed up: Worrying that the "breakfast included en route" would be some unappetizing snack, I asked the hotel to pack a meal to take with me.
When the bus stopped at 8 a.m., the breakfast turned out to be a traditional Turkish buffet including fresh-squeezed orange juice and made-to-order egg and other dishes cooked over an open fire.
So I watched everybody else on the bus enjoying a delicious meal and interesting local experience while I chewed on a cold hard-boiled egg and squashed sandwiches.
Lesson learned: take a chance because you never know what you might miss.
Rather than choosing an all-inclusive trip, pay just for the transportation and the hotel.
When you reach your destination, then look - and shop - around for the tours that interest you the most. And take advantage of local knowledge to help choose worthwhile excursions at the best price.
Cruises are another example. They typically offer shore excursions for an additional fee, which most people pay because they don't know how to organize a tour.
However, either on your own or with a few other adventurous passengers you have met on the ship, go ashore and again, explore what is out there.
You will be surprised - and delighted - by how much you save. .. and probably also by the richer experience of dealing with locals on your own.
If you worry about safety, check in with the local tourist office which will give you information and advice to make sure you have a positive and memorable experience.
So go for that "breakfast included en route": your trip will taste better.
Mike Grenby is a columnist and independent personal financial advisor. He'll answer questions in this column as space allows but cannot reply personally. Reach him by email at [email protected].
